KU women’s recruit sets sights on dunking

Aishah Sutherland isn't shooting for a particular scoring or rebounding average her senior year at Perris (Calif.) High.

But she does have one specific goal.

"I'm going to try to dunk in a game this year," Sutherland said. "I'm close. I'd like to dunk to get my name in the paper."

Throwing down in the women's game is such a rarity, it likely would get her more publicity than mere mention in the paper. Think YouTube most-watched celebrity.

Now that she has committed to a college, she can focus on her dunk dreams.

Sutherland, a 6-foot-2 forward, has given Kansas University a nonbinding oral commitment. She also was considering Oregon, South Carolina, Oregon State, Oklahoma and Colorado.

Sutherland visited Oregon and came to KU for Late Night in the Phog festivities, then promptly canceled all her other visits.

"I was going to visit others, but that's where I want to be," she said. "I like the school. I felt like it fits me. I like the coaching staff, and I want to make a difference. I'm relieved to have it over with. It was so much pressure."

Sutherland averaged 11 rebounds, 15 points, two steals and two blocks a game as a junior. She was a first-team all-league, All-CIF and all-county pick for a team that went 23-5.

"Kansas got a great one," Perris assistant coach Dominic Evans said. "She's real athletic, just jumps out of the gym. She handles the ball very well for her size. She long, lean and athletic."

Before long, Evans, too, broaches the subject of dunking.

"She's real, real close," he said. "She hasn't had the opportunity on a breakaway. We don't want her to try with anybody too close behind her."